Pasta with chicken and broccoli is a classic combination that offers a delicious and satisfying meal. The tender pasta, vibrant broccoli, and flavorful chicken coated in a garlicky sauce make it a popular choice on Italian restaurant menus. In our effort to simplify the cooking process, we transformed this multiple-pot recipe into a one-skillet wonder. By browning the chicken and setting it aside, we created the perfect base for sautéing aromatics and building a velvety sauce. Chicken broth, water, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and white wine formed the flavorful sauce that cooked the pasta to perfection. Leaving the pan uncovered allowed the liquid to reduce, intensifying the flavors. Adding Parmesan cheese at the end provided a creamy consistency without being overly rich. We saved the best for last by introducing bright green and tender broccoli to the skillet just before the pasta was ready. In mere minutes, everything came together, and the dish was complete. Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes, keeping in mind that their cup measurements may vary. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and sliced thin
Salt and pepper
¼ cup olive oil
1 onion, chopped fine
Salt and pepper
6 garlic cloves, minced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
½ cup dry white wine
2½ cups water
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounces (2½ cups) penne
8 ounces broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces
2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup), plus extra for serving
PREPARATIONS:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until it begins to smoke. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring for about 1 minute until it starts to brown. Stir the chicken and continue cooking until it’s nearly cooked through approximately 2 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a bowl and cover to keep it warm.
Add another tablespoon of oil to the same skillet and heat it over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and ½ teaspoon of salt, cooking until softened for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano, cooking until fragrant for about 30 seconds. Pour in the dry white wine and simmer until it’s nearly evaporated, typically 1 to 2 minutes.
Stir in the water, chicken broth, and penne pasta. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook at a vigorous simmer, stirring often, until the pasta is nearly tender, which usually takes about 12 minutes.
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and continue cooking until both the pasta and broccoli are tender, and the sauce has thickened, which takes approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
YIELD:
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Note: If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
To enhance the flavors, consider adding fresh herbs such as basil or parsley to the dish before serving.
Serve with additional grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
TIPS:
Cut the chicken into thin slices for quicker and more even cooking.
For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your desired level of spiciness.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 33g
- Sodium: 680mg
In conclusion, this one-skillet pasta with chicken and broccoli recipe offers a convenient and flavorful option for a satisfying meal. By combining tender pasta, succulent chicken, and vibrant broccoli in a garlicky sauce, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic combination in a fraction of the time and effort. The simplicity of cooking everything in a single skillet reduces cleanup and makes it an ideal weeknight dinner choice. Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice level or add fresh herbs to personalize the dish to your taste. With its balance of flavors and textures, this skillet pasta with chicken and broccoli is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Treat yourself to a delightful meal that brings together the best of Italian cuisine with ease and simplicity!
